LITTLE ROCK — Senior Johnathan Cooper made a three-pointer with 5.6 seconds left in regulation to secure a 59-56 victory at Pulaski Academy on Friday night, and tighten Camden Fairview’s grip on the 5ASouthwest lead.
Cooper’s shot came after the Bruins tied the game with 43 seconds left on a threepointer by sophomore Dusty Hannahs, who finished with 30 points and four second-half threes.
“They shoot the mess out of the basketball,” Camden Fairview Coach Adam Simmons said. “PA’s a very wellcoached ballclub, a very good team ... we knew we were going to have to bring our ‘A’ game to get a ‘W.’ ”
Pulaski Academy (16-7, 9-3) lost for the second consecutive night.
The Bruins looked no worse for wear early against Camden Fairview (20-4, 11-1), as they built a 13-6 lead going into the second quarter.
The Cardinals gradually closed the gap with swarming defense and a third quarter in which they hit 4 of 6 threepointers. In the other three quarters, Camden Fairview was a combined 2 of 12 on three-pointers.
Cardinal Dominique Reed’s two-handed dunk in traffic broke a tie at 33-33 with 3:16 left in the third quarter. The 6-3 sophomore, who was fouled, made the free throw and Camden Fairview never trailed again.
Sports, Pages 26 on 02/20/2010